Biomedical subjects

A Lucía

Publications and source records attributed to A Lucía.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Effects of endurance training on the isocapnic buffering and hypocapnic hyperventilation phases in professional cyclists.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the changes produced in both the isocapnic buffering and hypocapnic hyperventilation (HHV) phases of professional cyclists (n = 11) in response to endurance training, and to compare the results with those of amateur cyclists (n = 11). METHODS: Each professional cyclist performed three laboratory exercise tests to exhaustion during the active rest (autumn: November), precompetition (winter: January), and competition (spring: May) periods of the sports season. Amateur cyclists only performed one exercise test during the competition period. The isocapnic buffering and HHV ranges were calculated during each test and defined as Vo2 and power output (W). RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the isocapnic buffering range in each of the periods of the sports season in professional cyclists. In contrast, there was a significant reduction in the HHV range (expressed in W) during both the competition (p<0.01) and precompetition(p<0.05) periods compared with the rest period. On the other hand, a longer HHV range (p<0.01) was observed in amateur cyclists than in professional cyclists (whether this was expressed in terms of Vo2 or W). CONCLUSIONS: No change is observed in the isocapnic buffering range of professional cyclists throughout a sports season despite a considerable increase in training loads and a significant reduction in HHV range expressed in terms of power output.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Heart rate response during incremental exercise in master runners.

We analyzed the kinetics of heart rate (HR) response during incremental treadmill exercise in thirteen master runners (62 +/- 1 yr). The HR/running speed (HR/S) relationship showed the existence of a point of downward deflection (HR(d)) in only approximately 31% of the subjects. Resting echocardiographic evaluations showed similar heart dimensions in all of the subjects. In conclusion, HR does not seem to show a curvilinear response (downward deflection) in most aged athletes.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Metabolic and neuromuscular adaptations to endurance training in professional cyclists: a longitudinal study.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze the changes in several metabolic and neuromuscular variables in response to endurance training during three defined periods of a full sports season (rest, precompetition and competition). The study population was formed by thirteen professional cyclists (age +/- SEM: 24+/-1 years; mean V(O2 max) approximately 74 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). In each testing session, subjects performed a ramp test until exhaustion on a cycle ergometer (workload increases of 25 W min(-1)). The following variables were recorded every 100 W until the tests: oxygen consumption (V(O2) in l min(-1)), respiratory exchange ratio (RER in V(CO2) V(O2)(-1)) and blood lactate, pH and bicarbonate concentration [HCO3(-)]. Surface electromyography (EMG) recordings were also obtained from the vastus lateralis to determine the variables: root mean square voltage (rms-EMG) and mean power frequency (MPF). RER and lactate values both showed a decrease (p<0.05) throughout the season at exercise intensities corresponding to submaximal workloads. In contrast, no significant differences were found in mean pH or [HCO(3-)]. Finally, rms-EMG tended to increase during the season, with significant differences (p<0.05) observed mainly between the competition and rest periods at most workloads. In contrast, precompetition MPF values increased (p<0.05) with respect to resting values at most submaximal workloads but fell (p<0.05) during the competition period. Our findings suggest that endurance conditioning induces the following general adaptations in elite athletes: (1) lower circulating lactate and increased reliance on aerobic metabolism at a given submaximal intensity, and possibly (2) an enhanced recruitment of motor units in active muscles, as suggested by rms-EMG data.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1999

Breathing pattern in highly competitive cyclists during incremental exercise.

The purpose of our investigation was to analyse the breathing patterns of professional cyclists during incremental exercise from submaximal to maximal intensities. A group of 11 elite amateur male road cyclists [E, mean age 23 (SD 2) years, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) 73.8 (SD 5.0) ml kg(-1) min(-1)] and 14 professional male road cyclists [P, mean age 26 (SD 2) years, (VO2peak) 73.2 (SD 6.6) ml kg(-1) min(-1)] participated in this study. Each of the subjects performed an exercise test on a cycle ergometer following a ramp protocol (exercise intensity increases of 25 W x min(-1)) until the subject was exhausted. For each subject, the following parameters were recorded during the tests: oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), breathing frequency (fb), ventilatory equivalents for oxygen (VE x VO2(-1)) and carbon dioxide (VE x VCO2(-1)), end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, inspiratory (tI) and expiratory (tE) times, inspiratory duty cycle (tI/tTOT, where tTOT is the time for one respiratory cycle), and mean inspiratory flow rate (VT/tI). Mean values of VE were significantly higher in E at 300, 350 and 400 W (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively); fb was also higher in E in most moderate-to-maximal intensities. On the other hand, VT showed a different pattern in both groups at near-to maximal intensities, since no plateau was observed in P. The response of tI and tE was also different. Finally, VT/tI and tI/tTOT showed a similar response in both P and E. It was concluded that the breathing pattern of the two groups differed mainly in two aspects: in the professional cyclists, VE increased at any exercise intensity as a result of increases in both VT and fb, with no evidence of tachypnoeic shift, and tE was prolonged in this group at high exercise intensities. In contrast, neither the central drive nor the timing component of respiration seem to have been significantly altered by the training demands of professional cycling.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Short-term effects of marathon running in master runners: no evidence of myocardial injury.

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the short-term effects of marathon running on serum levels of cardiac markers in a group of master runners (> 60 yrs). Ten marathoners (9 male and 1 female; 63+/-4 yrs) were enrolled in the study. All of them completed the Madrid Marathon (1998). Venous blood was drawn from each subject three times during the study (48 h before the race, immediately after the race, and 24 h post-competition) for the determination of the several biochemical markers, such as total creatine kinase catalytic activity (total CK), mass concentration of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB mass), and cardiac troponin I (Tnl-c). The most important finding was that in each sample (pre- or post-race) serum Tnl-c was below the commonly accepted level of 0.1 ng x m(-1) indicative of myocardial injury. Although further research is needed using more complete methodology, our results suggest that marathon running does not have an acute deleterious effect on the hearts of the elderly.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Short-term effects of marathon running: no evidence of cardiac dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term effects of a marathon race (Madrid Marathon) on both markers of cardiac damage and echocardiographic parameters in a group of 22 runners (17 male and 5 female; 34 +/- 5 yr; VO2max: 55.7 +/- 9.1 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) with a wide range of fitness levels. METHODS: Venous blood samples were collected from each subject 48 h before the race, at race finish, and 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise for the determination of myoglobin, total creatine kinase catalytic activity (total CK), mass concentration of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB mass), and cardiac isoforms of troponin T and I (TnT-c and TnI-c, respectively). In addition, echocardiographic parameters (M-mode two-dimensional and Doppler analysis) indicative of both left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function were obtained three times from each runner: 2-5 d before the race, at race finish, and 24-36 h after exercise. RESULTS: Except in one subject, levels of TnT-c and TnI-c were within normal limits (<0.1 ng x mL(-1)) in all the samples collected before or after the race. Overall LV systolic function was not altered by marathon running. Finally, LV diastolic function was transiently altered after the race since the ratio between peak early and late transmitral filling velocities (E/A) was significantly reduced at race finish (P < 0.01) and returned to resting levels after 24-36 h. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that marathon running does not adversely affect the hearts of healthy individuals independently from their training status.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Analysis of the aerobic-anaerobic transition in elite cyclists during incremental exercise with the use of electromyography.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the validity and reliability of surface electromyography (EMG) as a new non-invasive determinant of the metabolic response to incremental exercise in elite cyclists. The relation between EMG activity and other more conventional methods for analysing the aerobic-anaerobic transition such as blood lactate measurements (lactate threshold (LT) and onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA)) and ventilatory parameters (ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 (VT1 and VT2)) was studied. METHODS: Twenty eight elite road cyclists (age 24 (4) years; VO2MAX 69.9 (6.4) ml/kg/min; values mean (SD)) were selected as subjects. Each of them performed a ramp protocol (starting at 0 W, with increases of 5 W every 12 seconds) on a cycle ergometer (validity study). In addition, 15 of them performed the same test twice (reliability study). During the tests, data on gas exchange and blood lactate levels were collected to determine VT1, VT2, LT, and OBLA. The root mean squares of EMG signals (rms-EMG) were recorded from both the vastus lateralis and the rectus femoris at each intensity using surface electrodes. RESULTS: A two threshold response was detected in the rms-EMG recordings from both muscles in 90% of subjects, with two breakpoints, EMGT1 and EMGT2, at around 60-70% and 80-90% of VO2MAX respectively. The results of the reliability study showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between mean values of EMGT1 and EMGT2 obtained in both tests. Furthermore, no significant differences (p > 0.05) existed between mean values of EMGT1, in the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris, and VT1 and LT (62.8 (14.5) and 69.0 (6.2) and 64.6 (6.4) and 68.7 (8.2)% of VO2MAX respectively), or between mean values of EMGT2, in the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris, and VT2 and OBLA (86.9 (9.0) and 88.0 (6.2) and 84.6 (6.5) and 87.7 (6.4)% of VO2MAX respectively). CONCLUSION: rms-EMG may be a useful complementary non-invasive method for analysing the aerobic-anaerobic transition (ventilatory and lactate thresholds) in elite cyclists.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Trace elements and electrolytes in human resting mixed saliva after exercise.

OBJECTIVES: Exercise is known to cause changes in the concentration of salivary components such as amylase, Na, and Cl. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on the levels of trace elements and electrolytes in whole (mixed) saliva. METHODS: Forty subjects performed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Samples of saliva were obtained before and immediately after the exercise test. Sample concentrations of Fe, Mg, Sc, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Ag, Sb, Cs, and Hg were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and concentrations of Ca and Na by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: After exercise, Mg and Na levels showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) while Mn levels fell (p < 0.05). Zn/Cu molar ratios were unaffected by exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Intense physical exercise induced changes in the concentrations of only three (Na, Mg, and Mn) of the 16 elements analysed in the saliva samples. Further research is needed to assess the clinical implications of these findings.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Heart dimensions may influence the occurrence of the heart rate deflection point in highly trained cyclists.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the heart rate (HR) response to exercise in 21 highly trained cyclists (mean (SD) age 25 (3) years) was related to their heart dimensions. METHODS: Before performing an incremental exercise test involving a ramp protocol with workload increases of 25 W/min, each subject underwent echocardiographic evaluation of the following variables: left ventricular end diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end diastole (LVPWTd), interventricular septal wall thickness at end diastole (IVSTd), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left atrial dimension (LAD), longitudinal left atrial (LLAD) and right atrial (LRAD) dimensions, and the ratio of early to late (E/A) diastolic flow velocity. RESULTS: The HR response showed a deflection point (HRd) at about 85% VO2MAX in 66.7% of subjects (D group; n = 14) and was linear in 33.3% (NoD group; n = 7). Several echocardiographic variables (LVMI, LAD, LLAD, LRAD) indicative of heart dimensions were similar in each group. However, mean LPWTd (p<0.01) and IVSTd (p<0.05) values were significantly higher in the D group. Finally, no significant difference between groups was found with respect to the E/A. CONCLUSIONS: The HR response is curvilinear during incremental exercise in a considerable number of highly trained endurance athletes-that is, top level cyclists. The departure of HR increase from linearity may predominantly occur in athletes with thicker heart walls.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The importance of physical fitness in the performance of adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the influence of the physical fitness of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provider on the performance of and physiologic response to CPR. To this end, comparisons were made of sedentary and physically active subjects in terms of CPR performance and physiologic variables. Two study groups were established: group P (n=14), composed of sedentary, professional CPR rescuers (mean [+/-SD]; age, 34+/-6 years; VO2max, 32.5+/-5.5 mL/kg/min), and group Ex (n=14), composed of physically active, nonexperienced subjects (age, 34+/-6 years; VO2max, 44.5+/-8.5 mL/kg/min). Each subject was required to perform an 18-min CPR session, which involved manual external cardiac compressions (ECCs) on an electronic teaching mannequin following accepted standard CPR guidelines. Subjects' gas exchange parameters and heart rates (HRs) were monitored throughout the trial. Variables indicating the adequacy of the ECCs (ECC depth and the percentage of incorrect compressions and hand placements) also were determined. Overall CPR performance was similar in both groups. The indicators of ECC adequacy fell within accepted limits (ie, an ECC depth between 38 and 51 mm). However, fatigue prevented four subjects from group P from completing the trial. In contrast, the physiologic responses to CPR differed between groups. The indicators of the intensity of effort during the trial, such as HR or percentage of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) were higher in group P subjects than group Ex subjects, respectively (HRs at the end of the trial, 139+/-22 vs 115+/-17 beats/min, p < 0.01; percentage of VO2max after 12 min of CPR, 46.7+/-9.7% vs 37.2+/-10.4%, p < 0.05). These results suggest that a certain level of physical fitness may be beneficial to CPR providers to ensure the adequacy of chest compressions performed during relatively long periods of cardiac arrest.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Determination of the maximum steady state of lactate (MLSS) in saliva: an alternative to blood lactate determination.

Based on previous research which shows parallelism between the saliva and blood lactate response during incremental exercise, we hypothesized that a "maximum salivary lactate steady state" (saliva-MLSS) might exist. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to establish 1) which lower limit for the increase in salivary lactate concentration during a constant workload (i.e., from the 10th to the 20th min) test could be used to determine the saliva-MLSS and 2) if the exercise intensity corresponding to the saliva-MLSS is identical to that evoking the (blood) MLSS. Twelve male amateur athletes of mean ( +/- SD) age 24 +/- 5 year were selected for the study. Based on the results of a previous maximal cycle ergometer test for lactate threshold (LT) determination, each subject performed consecutive constant workload tests of 20-min duration on separate days for MLSS determination. Blood and saliva (25 microl) samples were collected at 0, 10, and 20 min during the tests for lactate determination. A Student's t-test for paired data demonstrated that a salivary lactate increase of 0.8 mM corresponded to the saliva-MLSS. At this value, indeed, no significant differences were observed between the mean V(.)O(2) and W values corresponding to the MLSS and the saliva-MLSS. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that 0.8 mM is the lower limit for the increase in saliva lactate concentration during a constant load test and thus is that which might be used as a reference to determine saliva-MLSS. Furthermore, saliva-MLSS might be used as an alternative to MLSS determination in blood samples.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The salivary amylase, lactate and electromyographic response to exercise.

Twelve trained young males (age: 24 +/- 5 years) performed an incremental test to exhaustion during which capillary blood and saliva samples were obtained to determine the blood lactate (LT) and salivary amylase (T(sa)) thresholds. The root mean-square voltage of electromyographic activity (rms-EMG) of the vastus lateralis muscle was also recorded to detect the electromyographic threshold (EMG(T)). No significant difference was found between the exercise intensity corresponding to the LT, T(sa) or EMG(T).

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Physiological parameters determined at OBLA vs. a fixed heart rate of 175 beats x min-1 in an incremental test performed by amateur and professional cyclists.

A blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l-1 (OBLA) is frequently used as an indicator of the maximal steady state of lactate (MLSS) for workload planning in training programs. The aim of the present investigation was to compare several metabolic parameters determined at OBLA and at a fixed heart rate of 175 beats x min-1 (HR175) in amateur cyclists (AC) and professional cyclists (PC). Sixteen AC and 22 PC performed an exercise test on a cycle ergometer following a ramp protocol (25 W x min-1, 70-80 rpm) to exhaustion. Gaseous exchange was monitored throughout the test. VO2, %VO2 max, and power output (W) corresponding to OBLA and HR175 were determined and mean values compared using a Student's t-test. Findings indicated higher VO2 max and W in general in PC (p<0.01), and higher VO2 and W at OBLA and HR175 in PC (p<0.01). No significant difference was found between values determined at OBLA and HR175 in the AC group, while in the PC group, VO2, %VO2 max, and W were higher at OBLA. These observations suggest the possible use of a fixed, reference HR of 175 beats x min-1 to determine the exercise intensity corresponding to OBLA in amateur cyclists. This was not the case for the professional cyclists.

Exercise↗

PubMed1998

Active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation in standing position over the patient (ACD-S), kneeling beside the patient (ACD-B), and standard CPR: comparison of physiological and efficacy parameters.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the efficacy of three different cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques: (a) standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), (b) active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACD-CPR) with the rescuer standing beside the patient (ACD-B), and (c) ACD-CPR with the rescuer in a standing position over the patient (ACD-S). The physiological responses of the rescuers when performing these techniques were also evaluated. A total of 14 experienced professional rescuers of a mobile intensive care unit (32+/-6 years), participated in this investigation. On 3 different days (randomised order), each of them performed on a manikin (a) CPR, (b) ACD-B, and (c) ACD-S. Parameters indicative of both CPR performance (time to exhaustion, compression depth and efficacy), and rescuers' physiological responses (blood lactate; minute ventilation (VE); heart rate (HR); oxygen uptake VO2; respiratory exchange rate (RER); and percentage of VO2max) were monitored during the trials. The main findings of this investigation were: (a) the evidence of a greater physiological load for the rescuers during the ACD-CPR techniques compared to CPR, which caused a longer performance time with CPR as compared to ACD-CPR; (b) the overall absence of physiological differences between ACD-B and ACD-S; and (c) a modest decrease in mechanical efficacy for ACD-S when compared to ACD-B.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Effects of muscle electrical stimulation on peak VO2 in cardiac transplant patients.

Peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) has become a critical component in the evaluation of heart transplant recipients (HTR). In these patients, peak VO2 remains low after cardiac transplantation mainly because of persisting peripheral limitations in the working muscles. Muscular electrical stimulation, on the other hand, has been shown to enhance the oxidative capacity of healthy muscle. It was the purpose of our investigation to study the effects of ES on the peak VO2 of HTR. Fourteen (11 males and 3 females) HTR (age: 57+/-7yr, mean +/- SD; height: 163+/-7 cm, weight: 70.5+/-8.6 kg) were selected as subjects and each of them was randomly assigned to one of two groups: (a) group EXP (n = 7), receiving electrical stimulation on both quadriceps muscles during a period of 8 weeks, and (b) group CONT (n = 7), not receiving electrical stimulation. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the aforementioned 8-week period, respectively, all the subjects performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (ramp protocol) on a cycle ergometer for peak VO2 determination. PRE values of peak VO2 were similar in both groups (17.1+/-2.0 vs 16.9+/-3.8ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) in EXP and CONT, respectively). However, peak values of VO2 significantly increased in EXP (p < 0.05) after the period of electrical stimulation (POST peak VO2: 18.7+/-2.0ml x kg(-1)), whereas no change was observed in CONT (POST peak VO2: 16.2+/-3.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). In conclusion, electrical stimulation could therefore be used to improve the functional capacity of HTR, and might be included in the rehabilitation programs of this population group.

Electric Stimulation↗

PubMed1998

Physiological differences between professional and elite road cyclists.

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological responses of professional and elite road cyclists during an incremental cycle ergometer test. Twenty-five elite cyclists (EC; 23+/-1 yr) and 25 professional cyclists (PC; 25+/-2yr) performed a ramp protocol (increases of 25 W x min(-1)) during which the following parameters were measured: oxygen consumption (VO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide (VE x VO2(-1) and VE x VCO2(-1), respectively), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 (VT1 and VT2, respectively), blood lactate, and electromyographic activity (EMG) of the vastus lateralis. Significant differences existed between the two groups mainly at submaximal intensities, since both VT1 and VT2 occurred at a higher exercise intensity (p<0.001) in PC than in EC (VT2: 80.4+/-6.6 vs 87.0+/- 5.9% VO2max in EC and PC, respectively). Lactate levels showed a similar response in both groups at low-to-moderate intensities (< 300 W), and thereafter blood lactate was significantly higher in EC. Finally, the "electromyographic threshold" (EMGT) occurred at a significantly higher intensity (p < 0.05) in PC when compared to EC (64.7+/-14.2 vs 56.0+/-14.9% VO2max, respectively). It was concluded that, in comparison with EC, PC exhibit some remarkable physiological characteristics such as a high VT2, an important reliance on fat metabolism even at high power outputs, and several neuromuscular adaptations.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1998

Saliva composition and exercise.

Little attention has been directed toward identifying the changes which occur in salivary composition in response to exercise. To address this, our article first refers to the main aspects of salivary gland physiology. A knowledge of the neural control of salivary secretion is especially important for the understanding of the effects of exertion on salivary secretion. Both salivary output and composition depend on the activity of the autonomic nervous system and any modification of this activity can be observed indirectly by alternations in the salivary excretion. The effects of physical activity (with reference to factors such as exercise intensity and duration, or type of exercise protocol) on salivary composition are then considered. Exercise might indeed induce changes in several salivary components such as immunoglobulins, hormones, lactate, proteins and electrolytes. Saliva composition might therefore be used as an alternative noninvasive indicator of the response of the different body tissues and systems to physical exertion. In this respect, the response of salivary amylase and salivary electrolytes to incremental levels of exercise is of particular interest. Beyond a certain intensity of exercise, and coinciding with the accumulation of blood lactate (anaerobic threshold or AT), a 'saliva threshold' (Tsa) does indeed exist. Tsa is the point during exercise at which the levels of salivary alpha-amylase and electrolytes (especially Na+) also begin to rise above baseline levels. The occurrence of the 2 thresholds (AT and Tsa) might, in turn, be attributable to the same underlying mechanism, that of increased adrenal sympathetic activity at high exercise intensities.

Anaerobic Threshold↗

PubMed1998

The use of a fixed value of RPE during a ramp protocol. Comparison with the ventilatory threshold.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our investigation was to assess the use of a fixed value (12-13) of the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (6-20) as a valid method for the determination of the workload corresponding to the ventilatory threshold (VT) during a ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer. METHODS: Eleven trained cyclists (22 +/- 3 years of age; VO2max: 65.2 +/- 12.4 ml.kg-1.min-1) were selected as subjects. DESIGN: Each of the subjects performed a ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer (starting at 25 W, with increases of 25 W.min-1 until exhaustion). Gas exchange data were analysed continually during the test to detect the ventilatory threshold (VT) of the subjects. In addition values of RPE were obtained from each subject in the last 15 sec of each 2-minute-interval during the tests, and immediately after exhaustion. The RPE threshold (RPET) was defined as a constant value of 12-13. Mean values of VT and RPET were expressed as VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1), %VO2max, heart rate (bpm) and power output (W), and were compared using a paired "t"-test. RESULTS: No significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between mean values of VT and RPET, when both parameters where expressed either as VO2, %VO2max, heart rate, or power output. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a fixed value (12-13) of the RPE scale might be used to detect the exercise intensity corresponding to VT. Such parameter may therefore be used for exercise prescription in substitution to more sophisticated methodologies.

Adult↗